Skirpus (Scirpus) is a representative of sedges, which is also often called reeds. The homeland of the plant is considered to be the Italian islands - Sardinia and Corsica. Skirpus grows on the banks of water bodies. You can meet him both in tropical latitudes and in temperate climates.
Expanding in width, the skirpus forms a spherical bush. In nature, its succulent stems can reach a meter in size. They have small, asymmetrical rounded leaves.
Such reeds can be grown both near garden ponds and in pots. At home, the skirpus is well adjacent to other moisture-loving plants. They can be used to decorate a spacious bathroom or placed near the aquarium or even inside it. The flower is very unpretentious and can grow in hydroponics. For indoor cultivation, drooping reeds are usually used. This is a compact perennial about 20 cm high. The drooping skirp loves group planting. Its decorative effect is facilitated by purple spikelets that appear in summer.
The bristles of the plant can be used for regular or dry bouquets. They fit well in both summer and winter compositions.
Skirpus care at home
Location and lighting
Reeds can also grow in the shade, but prefers bright, diffused light. Direct rays can harm the plant, so a western window is best for it.
Temperature
Skirpus grows best in moderate heat. In the summer, during active growth, it will be satisfied with cool +20 degrees. In winter, you can move the reeds to a cooler room. But the temperature should not fall below +8 degrees. At home, you can try growing a skirp at a constant temperature. But in this case, once every few years, it is necessary to arrange for him a period of rest. This can be done by leaving the flower on a moderately cool balcony.
Watering mode
The plant's love for moisture dictates special conditions for its maintenance. In the summer, the skirpus must be watered frequently and abundantly. During the hot season, the pot with it can be kept on a pallet filled with wet sand. In winter, the volume and frequency of irrigation are reduced, but the top layer of the earth should not be overdried. Additionally, you can feed the reeds with complex fertilizer. Their form does not matter, but it is better to reduce the dosage a little. The frequency of dressings is about once a month.
Humidity level
The reeds will appreciate the increased humidity. The hotter it is in the room, the more often you will have to spray it. But for such a procedure, only soft water is suitable. Due to the high dryness of the air near the battery, it is better not to leave the skirpus.
Transfer
The lack of transplants will negatively affect the decorative effect of the bush. Old stems in the middle begin to die off, and tightness will have a bad effect on the health of the rest of the plant. Therefore, it is recommended to move the reeds to a new place once every couple of years. Do it in the spring. A low wide pot up to 1.5 times larger than the previous one is selected as a container. It is filled with a mixture of sand and earth or peat in equal proportions.The reed does not need formative pruning, but the yellowed stems should be cut regularly.
Skirp reproduction
Most often, the skirp reproduces by dividing the bush. This is usually done during the transplant. The division procedure rejuvenates the plant. It is recommended to keep the separated parts in a warm and slightly cool place for several days before planting.
The second way to get a new plant is shoots. You can separate them all year round. The cut shoot is planted in the ground and watered abundantly until it takes root. But due to the fact that the reed bushes grow rapidly, their division is practiced more often.
Let us also admit the method of propagation by seeds ripening in place of flowers in spikelets.
Growing difficulties
A pale color and excessive stretching may indicate an area that is too shady. Yellowing, lethargy or drying of the leaves - about a lack of moisture in the soil. But thoughtlessly pouring the skirpus is also not worth it. Excess water, especially in cold weather, can lead to root rot.
Diseases and pests
Skirpus is almost not susceptible to pest attacks. If aphids or spider mites are still on the plant, the necessary drugs are used against them. Pets inflict damage on the bush much more often: cats are very fond of eating its succulent leaves. Therefore, it is better to keep the pot with it away from fluffy households.
